2012 Jeep Wrangler: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The big change for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is a major powertrain upgrade built around a new 3.6-liter V6. It is substantially stronger than the 2011 model, while the familiar JK design and off-road formula carry on.
About the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
JK generation (2007-2018), sixth model year; major powertrain update year after the 2011 interior redesign.
The 2012 Wrangler is Jeep's iconic open-air 4x4: a body-on-frame SUV with removable doors, a fold-down windshield, real low-range four-wheel drive, and trail-first hardware that most crossover rivals do not offer. Jeep positions it as the vehicle for freedom, adventure, and go-anywhere capability, while the four-door Unlimited broadens that idea with everyday room for passengers and cargo. Its main differentiators are genuine off-road hardware and convertible-style open-air driving.
Sport is the simple, wash-out, open-air model, while Sahara adds body-color trim, automatic headlights, and upgraded audio for more everyday polish. Rubicon is the factory rock-crawler, with a very low off-road gear, front and rear axle locks, rock rails, and a disconnecting front suspension bar for better wheel movement; four-door Unlimited versions add passenger and cargo room.
What changed, by category
2012 Jeep Wrangler specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg | 16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 2000 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 55 cu-ft | 55 cu-ft | 55 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in | 36.1 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | ||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2012 Jeep Wrangler have?
Every 2012 Jeep Wrangler has a 3.6-liter V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It replaced the 2011 model's 3.8-liter V6, which produced 202 horsepower and 237 lb-ft.
How did the 2012 Wrangler's automatic transmission change?
The 2012 Wrangler received a five-speed automatic in place of the 2011 model's four-speed automatic. This change applied throughout the automatic-equipped lineup, including the right-hand-drive Unlimited Sport.
Was the 2012 Jeep Wrangler fully redesigned?
No, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler was not fully redesigned. It remained part of the JK generation and kept the same basic design, following the major interior update introduced for 2011.
Is the 2012 Wrangler a meaningful upgrade over the 2011 model?
Yes, if stronger acceleration and a more modern automatic transmission matter to you. The 2012 model's V6 makes 83 more horsepower and 23 more lb-ft of torque, while automatic models gain a five-speed transmission and manual models use a revised six-speed.
Which 2012 Wrangler trim has the most serious factory off-road equipment?
The 2012 Rubicon has the most serious factory off-road equipment. It includes front and rear axle locks, a very low off-road gear, heavy-duty front and rear axles, rock rails, and a disconnecting front suspension bar for greater wheel movement.